We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Rapid degradation of microplastics by catalyst-free gliding arc plasmatron
AI summary Read the abstract
A catalyst-free gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) system achieved complete degradation of mixed microplastics within 2–4 minutes, producing primarily non-hazardous CO2 as a gas product, demonstrating a simple and energy-compatible approach to rapid microplastic treatment compatible with distributed renewable energy.
A gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) was proposed for efficient degradation of mixed microplastics (MPs) under simplified and adaptable conditions. Complete degradation of MPs can be achieved within 2-4 minutes, with non-hazardous CO2 as nearly the only gas product. The catalyst-free GAP system, with its simplicity and compatibility with distributed renewable energy supply, offers a sustainable solution for MP treatment.
More Papers Like This
Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma for the degradation of microplastics suspended in water: Evidence from CO2 quantification and spectroscopic analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma as a direct treatment for mineralising microplastics suspended in water, using CO2 quantification and spectroscopic analysis to confirm degradation of plastic particles that resist conventional remediation.
Complete degradation of polystyrene microplastics through non-thermal plasma-assisted catalytic oxidation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a two-stage non-thermal plasma system for degrading polystyrene microplastics at low temperatures. Using dielectric barrier discharge plasma coupled with a catalytic oxidation step, they achieved near-complete conversion of polystyrene particles to carbon dioxide within 60 minutes. The study demonstrates a promising technology for breaking down microplastic pollution without requiring high-temperature incineration.
Atmospheric cold plasma as a novel approach to remediating microplastics pollution in water
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists demonstrated for the first time that atmospheric cold plasma — an energy-efficient technology that generates highly reactive molecules — can break down polypropylene and polyethylene microplastics in water. The treatment degraded the microplastics by up to 11% in just 30 minutes through oxidation reactions. While still in early stages, this low-cost approach could eventually become a practical method for removing microplastics from drinking and wastewater.
Low-Density Polyethylene Degradation and Energy Yield Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge under Various Electrical Conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used dielectric barrier discharge plasma to degrade low-density polyethylene plastic under varying electrical conditions, evaluating both degradation efficiency and energy yield. The approach offers a faster alternative to conventional plastic degradation methods for addressing microplastic pollution.
Efficient degradation of polystyrene microplastic pollutants in soil by dielectric barrier discharge plasma
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used a plasma-based technique called dielectric barrier discharge to break down polystyrene microplastics in soil and achieved a degradation rate of nearly 99 percent within one hour. The process works by generating reactive oxygen species that chemically decompose the plastic, converting most of it into carbon dioxide. The study presents this technology as a fast and energy-efficient approach for treating microplastic-contaminated soil.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.